WO1994026968A1 - Installation et procede de blanchissage pour la decontamination de textiles - Google Patents

Installation et procede de blanchissage pour la decontamination de textiles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994026968A1
WO1994026968A1 PCT/US1994/004998 US9404998W WO9426968A1 WO 1994026968 A1 WO1994026968 A1 WO 1994026968A1 US 9404998 W US9404998 W US 9404998W WO 9426968 A1 WO9426968 A1 WO 9426968A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sampling
area
air
waste water
laundering
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/004998
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
Original Assignee
Reinert Gary L Sr
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reinert Gary L Sr filed Critical Reinert Gary L Sr
Priority to AU68263/94A priority Critical patent/AU6826394A/en
Priority to CA002161806A priority patent/CA2161806C/fr
Publication of WO1994026968A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994026968A1/fr

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F95/00—Laundry systems or arrangements of apparatus or machines; Mobile laundries 

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus and methods for laun ⁇ dering contaminated clothing and for decontaminating in an environmentally contained, controlled, and safe facility.
  • Discharges are regulated by federal, state, and local agen ⁇ cies, e.g., such as by the EPA, OSHA, and others which have established regulations and standards and which police and enforce such regulations and standards for waste water and air discharges to the outdoor environment and to operator work areas.
  • federal, state, and local agen ⁇ cies e.g., such as by the EPA, OSHA, and others which have established regulations and standards and which police and enforce such regulations and standards for waste water and air discharges to the outdoor environment and to operator work areas.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide novel facilities and methods for laundering asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminated clothing including facilities and methods combin ⁇ ing microprocessor-controlled washer technology with a con ⁇ tainment-area-controlled environment. It is another object of the present invention to provide novel facilities and methods for constant differential pres ⁇ sure monitoring and recording, for constant air monitoring, and for testing by an independent laboratory of both the containment area as a whole and the operator's breathing area in particular.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide novel facilities and methods for the laundering facility not to require a wall between its washer and dryer areas because of its washer equipment technology and because of its environ- mental control, which directs the air flow in a manner that does not allow contaminated air to flow toward the dryer as provided by monitoring and testing methods and apparatus disclosed in the detailed description of the drawings and the preferred embodiment.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide facilities and methods for laundering asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminat ⁇ ed clothing to decontaminate the clothing to provide a product that can be safely worn.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide improved facilities and method for laundering asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminated clothing, for decontaminating, and for filtering the contaminated waste water down to a contaminant content per liter acceptable under EPA regulations for disposal through the sewer system and further for reducing the contact between hot, contaminated waste water and containment area ambient air to an insignificant level.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide novel facilities and methods capable of automatically sampling cleaning fluid, filtered waste water discharge, exhaust air discharged to the outside environment, and containment area air in the washer/dryer area and cleaning fluid filtering area.
  • the present invention for decontamination laundering in ⁇ cludes a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitor ⁇ ing and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the outside environment, a clean area, facilities and methods for automatically monitoring and controlling air quality in the washer area, in the filtering area, in the clean area, and as discharged to the outside environment, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling.
  • Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening various circuits con ⁇ nected electrically to timer contacts for energizing compo ⁇ nents of the waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling.
  • a tri-way valve passes a portion of waste water into a discharge pipe at all times and an electronic level control monitors and fills a waste water sampling container to a predetermined level.
  • a first high volume pump and membrane filter cassette collects air samples from a containment area in the laundering facility and a second high volume pump and membrane filter cassette collects air samples from a HEPA air filtra ⁇ tion machine.
  • Contaminants include asbestos, and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust.
  • Contami ⁇ nated material includes woven and non-woven fabric, permeable and impermeable clothing.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a floor plan of the overall facility of the present invention and shows washers, dryer, filtration system, settling tank, holding tank, filter banks, pumps, pressure gauges, sensors, controls, piping, clean air in-flow and direction indicated by arrows, and facility areas including the clean clothing, folding, repair ⁇ ing, counting, storage, and office areas.
  • Figure 2 is an elevation view, partially in section, of the settling tank, its piping, the washers, dryer, and exhaust connection via flexible duct to one of two HEPA air filtration machines set on a platform above the settling tank and exhaust ducts connected to the outdoors in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is an electrical schematic diagram showing electrical components, pictographically and symbolically, and electrical wiring of the sampling system in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows an electronic liquid level control device installed on a sample receiving contain ⁇ er, a three-channel programmable, electronic timer and three independent contacts, three high volume air pumps, three sampling cassettes, three blinking lights of diverse colors, electrically operated relays, and a horn.
  • a partial piping schematic diagram shows piping for the waste water samples to flow through, with direction of flow indicated by arrows, and three valves, including a tri-way, motorized valve.
  • Figure 4 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially representing the basic components of a motor starter in accor ⁇ dance with the present invention, and showing its electrically operated coil and several sets of contacts, one of which is an auxiliary set of contacts.
  • Figure 5 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially showing the electrical wiring of a two-channel programmable, electronic timer and two sets of contacts in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially showing the electrical wiring of two separate two-channel pro ⁇ grammable, electronic timers and their respective contacts in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a partial schematic diagram showing an elec- trically operated water pump, three filter banks, and respec ⁇ tive filter cartridge containers in accordance with the pres ⁇ ent invention.
  • Figure 7 partially shows schematically the piping for a waste water sample to flow through, with the direction of the waste water flow indicated by arrows, valves including a tri-way, motorized valve, a container to receive a waste water sample, and an electronic level control device installed on the container.
  • Figure 8 is an elevation view, partially in section, of two HEPA filtration machines with respective exhaust ducts, three high volume air pumps connected to respective cassettes, and plastic tubing connecting some cassettes to exhaust ducts in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a plan view showing two HEPA filtration ma ⁇ chines, air flow into their inlets indicated by straight arrows, and connection to respective exhaust ducts in accor ⁇ dance with the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is an electric ladder diagram showing electri ⁇ cal components and electrical wiring of the sampling system of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 also shows an electronic liquid level control device installed on a container, a three- channel programmable, electronic timer, its three independent contacts, three high volume air pumps, three blinking lights of diverse colors, electrically operated relays, and a horn.
  • a partial piping schematic diagram shows piping for the waste water samples to flow through, with direction of flow indicat- ed by arrows, and three valves, including a tri-way, motorized valve.
  • the present invention provides facilities and methods for laundering contaminated clothing, e.g., such as contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or with lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust, herein called the listed contam ⁇ inants.
  • the facilities and methods of the present invention are employed to decontaminate the clothing in an environmen- tally contained, controlled, and safe facility.
  • the facili ⁇ ties and the methods of the present invention permit contami ⁇ nated clothing to be brought into the containment area, laun ⁇ dered, and dried within the same contained, environmentally controlled, safe area. Clean clothing then is removed for further sorting, repair, folding, counting, and storing opera ⁇ tions in another separated room of the facility.
  • the facili ⁇ ties and the methods of the present invention protect the health of the laundry operator and prevent the contaminants from being released into the atmosphere by the process itself.
  • the facilities and methods prevent the release of the contami ⁇ nants into the atmosphere at the time the contaminated cloth ⁇ ing is delivered to the facility.
  • the facilities and methods also prevent the release of the contaminants by the laundered clothing themselves after they have been laundered. Such release is prevented by the methods and facilities utilized to prevent re-contaminating the clothing after it has been laun ⁇ dered.
  • the facilities and the methods of the present inven- tion also prevent contaminants from being carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the launder ⁇ ing operation.
  • the facilities and methods of the present invention provide for filtering of the laundry waste water to a level that is safe for its disposal through the sewer.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the floor plan of the overall facility of the present invention and shows the wash ⁇ ers, the dryer, the filtration system, the settling tank, the holding tank, filter banks, pumps, pressure gauges, sensors, controls, and piping.
  • Figure 1 also shows the clean air in ⁇ flow and its direction, indicated by arrows. Also shown is the clean clothing, folding, repairing, counting, storage, and office areas.
  • area 8 designates the overall containment area and waste water filtration area
  • area 2 designates the overall clean clothes, sorting, repairing, folding, storage, and office area.
  • the containment and filtration area 8 includes outer walls 1, la, lh, lj , Ik, lb, lc, Id, le, If, lg, and overhead door 9.
  • Area 8 includes clean room/airlock 44, defined by walls lh, 1j , Ik, and 1L.
  • Shower room 45, 46 is defined by walls la, 1L, lm, and In.
  • Vented solid doors 3, 4, and 5 are provided in walls lj , 1L, and In. Vents on doors 3, 4, and 5 are positioned so that air drawn in may pass from the outside through clean clothing area 2, through vent 55, and through vents 3, 4, and 5 into clean room/airlock 44, into shower room 45, 46, and into the laundering area, as indicated by arrows 54.
  • Negative pressure within containment area 8 is maintained at minus 0.02 or less inches of water and is documented by the use of differential pressure documenter 47, which is an in ⁇ strument used to monitor relative pressure differential.
  • differential pressure documenter 47 is provided by a digital pressure manometer connected to a chart recorder for documentation and record keeping. This instrument has both audible and visual alarms with highly visible readout. The alarm is to warn the operator of any possible failure in the negative pressure inside the containment area.
  • Microprocessor-controlled, programmable washing machines 12 provided in area 8 have drain lines 35 extending to holding tank 16. Sampling outlet 19 is provided for testing the pre- filtering waste water contamination level.
  • Holding tank 16 has an automatic level control 18 which turns on pump 20 at a preset level. Waste water is pumped out of holding tank 16 via bottom outlet 17 by pump 20 through pipe 21 and into large settling tank 22 which has a top lid.
  • a second, automatic level control 18a turns on pump 20 at a preset level as a safety feature. When level control 18a is activated, an alarm and a blinking red light turn on in con ⁇ trol panel 13, thereby alerting the operator. Heavy particul- ates are separated, e.g., such as dirt, sand, or lint, and a major portion of entrained contaminants settles down to the bottom of the tank.
  • the contents of the closed top tank 22 are pumped out automatically from a preset level from the bottom of closed top tank 22 by the programmable controller in control panel 13 through pipe 25 by pump 24.
  • Differential pressure sensor/transmitter 26 reads and transmits pumping pressure drop to the programmable controller in control panel 13.
  • the waste water then is routed automatically through one of three filter banks A, B, or C selected by the programmable controller.
  • the controller opens one bank and closes the next one by operating electrically actuated valve 27A, 27B, or 27C based on a preset pressure differential at the programmable controller in panel 13.
  • Each electrically actuated valve 27A, 27B, or 27C has a red and a green light (not shown) .
  • the green light is on when the valve is open.
  • the red light is on when the valve is closed.
  • the programmable controller in panel 13 will sound an alarm if all the valves are closed.
  • Each filter bank consists of three large filter cart ⁇ ridges, piped in series so as to force the waste water to pass first through a five micron filter 28, then through a one micron filter 29, and finally through a second one micron filter 29.
  • the clean, filtered water then is well below the acceptable level for disposing the contaminated waste water through drain pipe 30 and into the sewer system.
  • the loaded filters are removed from their housings and back-washed clean by filter back-washing machine 33. Clean filters are installed at the time the loaded filters are removed for cleaning.
  • Sampling outlet 31 is provided for testing the filtered water downstream of the filtering banks.
  • the fiber count, in MF/L (million fibers/liter) is well below the EPA allowable level for disposal through the sewers, as tested by the accu ⁇ rate and reliable test available by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and performed by an accredited, AIHA certified laboratory (American Industrial Hygienist Association) .
  • washing machines 12 All the functions of the washing machines 12 are con ⁇ trolled by a built-in microprocessor, including cycles, dura ⁇ tion of cycles, amount and temperatures of water, chemical feed from metering pumps 15 and chemical storage containers 14, as well as other features, which provide for the repeat ⁇ ability of the washing results.
  • FIG. 2 provides a sectional view of settling tank 22, its piping, washers 12, dryer 32, and its exhaust connection via flexible duct to one of at least two HEPA air filtration machines 36.
  • the HEPA air filtration machines 36 are set on a platform above the settling tank 22.
  • the air filtration machines 36 have exhaust ducts 43 connected to the outdoors.
  • dryer 32 has exhaust 39 di ⁇ rectly connected via duct 40 to the intake 41 of one of the two HEPA air filtration machines 36.
  • HEPA air filtra ⁇ tion machines 36 are equipped with high efficiency particulate absolute filters (HEPA) rated and certified to be a minimum 99.97% efficient at 0.3 micron. Additionally, these machines are equipped with two other pre-filters (non-HEPA) , automatic controls, and a loud sounding alarm and lights to warn the operator of the status of all the filters.
  • the two HEPA air filtration machines 36 are positioned on platform 37 which stands above settling tank 22.
  • the outlet side of the HEPA air filtration machines 36 are connected by duct 42 to the outdoors at points 43 on wall lc. The air released to the atmosphere through duct 42 is filtered of contaminants as monitored by pre-established, scheduled air testings of sam- pies taken through sampling outlets 53 and analyzed by an AIHA accredited laboratory.
  • HEPA machines 36 The suction of approximately 3600 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air from the containment area 8 by HEPA machines 36 creates a negative pressure inside the containment area 8 in relationship to the surrounding areas beyond walls 1, la, lh, lj , Ik, lb, lc, Id, le, If, lg, and overhead door 19.
  • the air filtration machines (HEPA) 36 start automatically. HEPA machines 36 turn on at all times (1) when overhead door 9 opens and the delivery truck backs all the way into the con- tainment area 8 or (2) when the laundering process is taking place. Delivery never is permitted when the laundering pro ⁇ cess is taking place.
  • HEPA machines 36 change the entire volume of air in area 8 at a minimum rate of six times per hour by drawing in fresh, clean air from the outside. Air volume changeover is performed every time laundering is taking place.
  • the functioning of the HEPA machines 36 and the negative pressure created in containment area 8 provide that air will always flow into the containment area from the clean surround ⁇ ing areas and never in the opposite direction, further provid- ing that no contaminants will be released to the atmosphere through the surrounding clean areas.
  • the bottoms of settling tank 22 are pumped out through outlet 38.
  • the inside of settling tank 22 is pressure washed, and the sludge is disposed according to EPA regulations.
  • vents on vented doors 3, 4, and 5 as well as vent 55 on wall lb and vent 56 on wall le are permanent, one-way, self-closing vents, i.e., with flaps on the negative pressure side of the air stream flowing from the surrounding clean areas into containment area 8 through the vents.
  • This vent system does not require that the opera ⁇ tor open or close any vents.
  • Emergency electrical power generator 57 is provided as a safety measure in case of a failure in the electrical power supply. Should any electrical power failure occur, emergency generator 57, after a pre-established time delay, will auto ⁇ matically turn on, thereby re-establishing all the functions within containment area 8, including the operation of the air filtration HEPA machines. All laundry removed from dryer 32 is placed into a sealed container, and after all laundry is done and all decontamina ⁇ tion procedures have taken place, the laundry in a container is removed through the shower door 5 into shower room 45, 46, where the container is wet wiped. After showering, the opera- tor moves the sealed, wet-wiped container through door 4 into the clean room 44, where the operator dresses in clean street clothes.
  • the operator moves the container into clean area 2 through door 3 for sorting, repair, folding, and stor ⁇ age.
  • the lint from dryer 32 is removed daily from the lint screen.
  • the lint from dryer 32 is sampled and analyzed for asbestos fiber or other contam ⁇ inants content by an AIHA accredited laboratory.
  • Containment area 8 does not require division by a solid wall or any other means between the washer and dryer area because of the dramatic reduction in the amount of the listed contaminants.
  • Listed contaminants released into the contain ⁇ ment area 8 are monitored in the air for both the containment area and the operator's breathing area, within the containment area in a TWA (time weighted average) basis, and then are analyzed by an AIHA accredited laboratory.
  • Step One the operator previously has been trained thoroughly in the operation and the safety features of the decontamination facility of the present invention.
  • the operator turns on red warning light 6, then enters clean room/airlock 44 from clean room 2 through vented door 3.
  • clean room/airlock 44 the operator changes his or her regular clothing and puts on protective coveralls, gloves, head covering, foot wear, and an OSHA approved respirator equipped with HEPA filters.
  • the operator will also strap to his or her waist a personal air monitoring pump to monitor breathing area air.
  • the floor in area 8 has been previously covered with a layer of 6 mil plastic.
  • Step Two the operator proceeds through vented door 4, through shower room 45, 46, and then through vented door 5 into containment area 8, where he or she proceeds to turn on both HEPA air filtration machines 36 via control panel 13.
  • the filters in the air filtration machines are loaded, i.e., need replacing, or if after any other machine malfunction, a loud alarm will sound, red lights will go on at the machines, and no laundering will take place until the cause for the malfunction is repaired.
  • the high volume pump is turned on for the monitoring of the air in area 8 and also will turn on his or her personal air monitoring pump. The air samples are to be sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis with a next day results turn around requested.
  • Step Four the operator picks up the double-bagged dirty clothing, one bag at a time, from sealed containers 10 and reseals container 10.
  • the operator wets down the dirty clothes by means of an airless spray gun and proceeds to load the washing machine 12.
  • the operator will take samples from the surface of a pre-established number of dirty clothing, prior to wetting them. This is done following an accepted, established procedure. The operator will also mark, with threads, the areas the samples were lifted from. Then he or she will proceed to launder those clothing together with the rest. The sample will be tested by an accredited labora- tory.
  • Step Five the operator turns on the microprocessor- controlled, programmable machine 12 which proceeds automati ⁇ cally to launder the dirty clothing.
  • the operator selects a program, which has been programmed in the machine and which is based upon the composition of the clothing and the type of contaminant. The operator must only look up a chart and push in a numerical button indicated on the chart.
  • Step Six the dirty waste water is drained automati ⁇ cally from washing machine 12 into holding tank 16 from which it is automatically pumped into settling tank 22 by pump 20. After a preset time period, it is pumped out of settling tank 22 by pump 24 to the filters 28, 29, and to the sewers through drain pipe 30, as previously described in detail.
  • samples of the waste water are taken downstream from the filters and labeled, all in accordance with established procedures.
  • the samples are to be sent immediately to an accredited laboratory for testing and a report.
  • Step Seven after laundering is complete, the operator removes the still wet clothes from washers 12 and places them in dryer 32 where they are dried.
  • Step Eight the dried clothing then is placed in a sealed, wheeled container and moved through vented door 5 into shower room 45, 46, where the operator wet wipes the wheeled container, then strips off the protective clothing, and places them in a sealed container in the shower room.
  • the operator then proceeds to take a shower and to wash clean the respira ⁇ tor.
  • the respirator cartridges are disposed at this point.
  • the personal monitoring pump has been turned off and is also wet wiped. On a pre-established schedule and procedure, samples are taken from the laundered clothing surface of the clothing tested in Step Four to determine contaminated contents. The testings are to be made by an accredited laboratory.
  • Step Nine the operator then moves the wheeled con- tainer through vented door 4 into clean room/air lock 44 where he or she dresses in regular clothing and hangs up the respi ⁇ rator and the personal pump, then moves the wheeled container through vented door 3 into clean room 2 for sorting, repair, folding, and storage.
  • novel facilities and methods are provided for laundering asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminated clothing, for decontaminating the clothing in a manner which provides for the safety of, and protects the health of, the laundry operator, and for preventing asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contamination to the atmosphere from the laundry.
  • Facilities and methods are provided for laundering con ⁇ taminated clothing in an environmentally controlled area, monitored and controlled for air pressure, air flow pattern and volume, and fully sealed-in in respect to waste water. If any of the contaminants remain on the laundered clothes, the amount is insignificant levels or at the most within the maximum allowed.
  • Facilities and methods are also provided for a controlled environment enclosure defining a washer, dryer, and waste water settling and filtering side without walls between them. The fully contained laundering area without walls between washer and dryer areas in accordance with the present inven ⁇ tion does not re-contaminate the clothing after laundering it.
  • a clean room/air lock communicates with the washer/dryer filtering side and two solid doors with flapped vents-air inlets.
  • One vented door communicates with the large clean room used for sorting, repair, folding, and storage of laun ⁇ dered clothing.
  • the other vented door communicates with the shower room.
  • the vents permit air to flow only toward the shower room and beyond, but not in the opposite direction.
  • a shower room has a solid door with a flapped vent (air inlet) door communicating with the washer/dryer/filtering side.
  • the flapped vent permits the air to flow only toward the washer, dryer area and not in the opposite direction.
  • a one-way venting (air inlets) system with flaps allows the flow of air only in one direction from the surrounding clean areas and from the clean room used for sorting, repair, folding, and storage through the clean room airlock, through the shower room, and into the washer/dryer/filtering side. System operation does not require the operator's full atten ⁇ tion. Rather, the venting system of the present invention utilizes self-closing air inlet flaps.
  • the microprocessor-controlled, programmable washers and dryer provide repeatability of the laundering parameters in the washer/dryer/waste water settling and filtering side.
  • An asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminated water filtering and disposal means associated with the programmable washers operates auto ⁇ matically and has fail-safe features.
  • the filtering means will filter the waste water down to a contaminant content per liter acceptable for disposal through the sewer.
  • At least two air filtering machines equipped with HEPA filters create and maintain a negative pressure within the washer/dryer/waste water settling and filtering area.
  • the negative pressure is maintained through flapped vents on walls lb and le, through flapped vents on solid doors in the clean room/air lock and the shower room, and through overhead door 9 (when the door opens for letting the enclosed/inside-lined truck back up all the way into the washer/dryer/filtering area) .
  • a monitor and alarm means will warn the operator of any failure in the level of negative pressure within the work area.
  • the HEPA air filtering machines are used for the direct filtering of the containment area air and of the dryer exhaust air before it is exhausted to the surrounding atmosphere.
  • An emergency auxiliary generator provides power for emergency functioning of the air filtration HEPA system and other elements of the facilities and process of the present invention.
  • the purpose is to protect the health and safety of the laundry operator.
  • the purpose also is to protect the surrounding environment.
  • a series of alarms, warnings, audible and visible sig ⁇ nals, and redundant tank level controls provide for operator safety and environmental protection.
  • the health of the operator and the protection of the environment are provided by pre-established scheduled sampling of the operator's breathing air area, the overall work area air, the air filtration HEPA machines exhaust air, the dryer exhaust air, the dryer lint, the contaminated clothing prior to and after laundering, and the filtered waste water. Test- ing of all of the above samples is to be performed only by an independent AIHA accredited laboratory.
  • An overhead door between the outside and the wash ⁇ er/dryer/filtering side opens up only when no laundering is taking place.
  • the door allows dirty clothing in double bags to be transferred from sealed containers from an enclosed truck into sealable containers inside the washer/- dryer/filtering area and only while the area is under negative pressure to force air to flow only in one direction through the overhead door and other clean areas and into the wash- er/dryer/filter area.
  • a clean room area is used for sorting, counting, repair, folding, and storage of the laundered clothing.
  • the clean room communicates with the clean room/air lock through the solid door with flapped vent, allowing air to flow only from the clean room to the clean room/air lock and not in the opposite direction.
  • the present invention provides facilities and methods for decontaminating various types of woven and non-woven fabric, permeable and impermeable clothing.
  • Figure 3 is an electrical schematic diagram
  • Figure 10 is an electric ladder diagram, both showing the electrical components, pictographically and some symbolically, and the electrical wiring of the entire sampling system.
  • Figure 3 and Figure 10 also show an electronic liquid level control device installed on a sample receiving container, a three-channel programmable, electronic timer and its three independent con- tacts, three high volume air pumps, three sampling cassettes, three blinking lights of diverse colors, electrically operated relays, and a horn.
  • a partial piping schematic diagram shows the pipes for the waste water samples to flow through, with the direction of the flow indicated by arrows, and three valves, including a tri-way, motorized valve.
  • Timing of the sampling refers to the date and time of day in which the taking of a sample is scheduled to begin, the duration of the timing cycle, and the utilization of timer contacts to close and to open various electrical circuits connected to those contacts for the purpose of energizing the components of the sampling system.
  • Timer 68 provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a three-or-more-channel, microprocessor- based, digital controller, hereinafter called microprocessor- based, digital controller or timer 68.
  • Each channel is inde- pendently programmable with 40 on/off operations per week or more and switches on/off its own set of contacts rated at 10 amperes, 120 or 240 volts, but not necessarily limited to such rating.
  • Microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 provides 365 day programming in advance with 40 holiday dates or more and 8th day holiday schedule and also with 8 season blocks or more of unlimited duration, each capable of a different schedule.
  • Each channel in microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 has approximately 0-255 minutes remote manual time over ⁇ ride, which is adjustable. It also has AM/PM, i.e., ante meridian/post meridian, or 24-hour military time, user select ⁇ able, automatic daylight savings or standard time, leap year, automatic adjustment, a plain English self-prompting display, and a battery backup with at least a 6 month cumulative re ⁇ serve and a 10 year shelf life.
  • Contacts 67 of microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 are utilized for controlling the waste water sampling.
  • Contacts 75 are utilized for controlling the exhaust air sampling, and contacts 99 are utilized for controlling the containment area air sampling. In the description of the sampling system of the present invention, each of three major sub-systems are detailed.
  • the first sub-system is sampling the cleaning fluid discharge, i.e., waste water from filter banks A, B, and C.
  • the second sub-system is sampling the exhaust air from HEPA filtration machines 36. This is the air from the washer/dryer area 8 and the cleaning fluid filtering area 8 after the air has been filtered.
  • the third sub-system is sampling the air from the same areas just mentioned, but prior to being filtered, also known as work area sampling. First the sampling methods and apparatus of the present invention are described as applied to automatically sampling the cleaning fluid filtering area waste water discharge.
  • Motorized, tri-way valve 60 has its normally-open outlet 63 piped to waste water discharge pipe 30, which allows a portion of waste water to flow through valve 60 and back into dis ⁇ charge pipe 30 every time pump 24 pumps waste water through any one of filter banks A, B, or C. By allowing waste water to flow through one side of the sampling system when the system is not sampling, the possibility of sampling a portion of previously sampled waste water is substantially eliminated.
  • the amount of waste water flowing through pipe 62, valve 31, pipe/inlet 61, tri-way valve 60 and pipe 63, or outlet 65 is always representative of the waste water to be sampled at any given sampling cycle.
  • Motorized tri-way valve 60 has normally closed outlet 65 piped into container 66 to allow the flow of waste water into container 66 only when motor-actuator 64 closes normally open outlet 63 and opens normally closed outlet 65.
  • An electrical circuit energizing motor-actuator 64 is completed via wires 122 and 94 through contacts 67 in micro ⁇ processor-based, digital controller 68 and via wire 118 to hot wire 69 of power lines 69, 108.
  • the electrical circuit ener ⁇ gizing motor actuator 64 is finally complete to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69, 108 via wire 119 through normally open auxiliary contacts 70 of motor starter 74 of pump 24 and further through wire 120, normally closed contacts 71 of relay RA 73, and finally through wire 121 to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69, 108.
  • Figure 4 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially representing the basic components of a motor starter, showing its electrically operated coil and several sets of contacts of which one is an auxiliary set of contacts.
  • valve 60 When normally open auxiliary contacts 70 in pump motor starter 74 close, the electrical circuit to energize motor actuator 64 is complete, and it energizes valve 60. This closes valve 60, normally open outlet 63, and opens normally- closed outlet 65, which allows waste water to flow into con ⁇ tainer 66.
  • electronic level control 79 When sample container 66 fills with waste water sample 76 to a pre-established level, electronic level control 79 will allow its internal, electronic control circuitry to close the electrical circuit of coil 80 of relay RB 81 via wire 124 through coil 80, via wire 121 to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69, 108, and finally via wires 125, 123, and 94 through contacts 67, in microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 and via wire 118 to the hot wire 69 of power lines 69, 108.
  • Relay RB 81 has two sets of normally open contacts 82 and 83. These contacts 82 and 83 close simultaneously when coil 80 is energized.
  • coil 84 in relay RA 73 is energized. This is accomplished on one side of coil 84 via wire 126 to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69 and 108, on the other side of coil 84 via wire 127, through normally open contacts 82 of relay RB 81, and via wires 128, 123 and 94, through normally open contacts 67 of microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 and finally via wire 118 to the hot wire 69 of power lines 69, 108.
  • Coil 84 of relay RA 73 when energized by relay RB 81, opens normally-closed contacts 71 and closes normally open contacts 72, which creates a second energizing, electrical circuit, referred to herein as sealing circuit, via wire 127 and 129, through contacts 72, via wires 130, 123, and 94, through normally open contacts 67 of microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 and finally via wire 118 to the hot wire 69 of power lines 69, 108.
  • the second energizing, electrical sealing circuit main ⁇ ains coil 84 of relay RA 73 energized even after water sample 76 is removed from container 66. Removing water sample 76 from container 66 will de-energize coil 80 of relay RB 81.
  • Motor actuator 64 when de-energized through internal control circuitry reverses motor polarity to turn its motor in the opposite direction, thereby returning valve 60 to its original position, the position prior to motor actuator 64 being ener ⁇ gized, i.e., normally closed outlet closed and normally open outlet open.
  • Electronic level control 79 stops the flow of waste water into sample container 66 by disconnecting motor actuator 64 from its electrical circuit by opening normally closed con ⁇ tacts 71 in relay RA 73 and also provides a second electrical circuit, sealing circuit, that maintains coil 84 of relay RA 73 energized through its own contacts 72, even after removing waste water sample 76 from sample container 66. This provides that motor actuator 64 stays disconnected after water sample 66 is removed from sample container 66.
  • microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 closes its contacts 67.
  • Microprocessor- based, digital controller 68 is programmed to keep its con ⁇ tacts 67 closed for a period of approximately two hours to allow pump 24 to run at least once at the programmed sampling date. Any other length of time can be programmed alternative- ly. If for any reason pump 24 runs for a short time period and waste water sample 76 does not reach the pre-established level, level control 79 will not energize relay RB 81, and waste water will flow into sample container 66 automatically the next time pump 24 runs again, within the approximately two hours above mentioned, until waste water sample 76 reaches the pre-established level.
  • the timers can be programmed to take the waste water sample at the desired date, and the timers can also be programmed for the starting time on that day to be, for in ⁇ stance, fifteen minutes prior to the starting time for pump 24 and keep the timer contacts "on" for one hour or any other desired time period.
  • the time period terminates for the time contacts are kept "on” for contacts 67 if microprocessor-based, digital controller 68, i.e., when contacts are closed the timer will open its contacts and will automatically de-energize relay RA 73, making its normally-closed contacts 71 to close. This automatically resets the system, making it ready to take a new sample at the programmed date and time.
  • An alarm is provided to alert a laundry operator that a waste water sample has been taken. It works as follows.
  • level control 79 When a sample has been taken, i.e., when waste water sample 76 reaches the predetermined level in container 66, level control 79 energizes coil 80 of relay RB 81, which pulls "closed” its normally open contacts 82 and 83.
  • Contacts 83 in relay RB 81 complete the electrical circuit of alarm horn 85 or other sounding type of alarm via wire 131, contacts 83, wires 123, and 94 through timer contacts 67, and via wire 118 to hot wire 69 of power lines 69 and 108.
  • Contacts 83 also close the electrical circuit of blinking light 86 in the same manner.
  • Alarm horn 85 and blinking light 86 alert the laundry operator of the fact a waste water sample has been taken and should be removed.
  • Valve 87 at the bottom of sample container 66 is provided for the easy and quick removal of the waste water sample. The sample container 66 is washed clean by the laundry operator each time a sample is removed from it.
  • the air sampling provides for taking samples of the contaminants contained in the air within the containment area, i.e., washer/dryer area 8 cleaning fluid filtering area 8. It also provides for taking samples of the contaminants contained in the exhaust air, i.e., the air being expelled out to the outdoors surrounding environment after it has been filtered through the HEPA (High Efficiency Particu- late Absolute) filtration machines 36.
  • HEPA High Efficiency Particu- late Absolute
  • FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially showing the electrical wiring of a two-channel microprocessor- based programmable, digital controller and two sets of con ⁇ tacts in accordance with the present invention.
  • the present invention also provides means and method utilizing a two-channel timer 95 instead of a three-or-more-channel microprocessor-based, digital controller 68, provided each of the two channels of two-channel timer 95 is independently programmable and with substantially the same channel capabilities described above. Because of the close similarity in the sampling frequen ⁇ cies, i.e., how often samples are taken between the waste water and the exhaust air, the timer utilized could be a two- channel timer 95 by utilizing one of its two channels for controlling both the waste water sampling as well as the exhaust air sampling. This is accomplished by electrically connecting wire 94 and wire 101 to contacts 97, which are controlled by one of the two channels, while connecting wire
  • Contacts 97 control simultaneously the sampling of both the waste water and the exhaust air from HEPA machines 36.
  • the remaining contacts 102 of two-channel timer 95 control the air sampling from the containment area 8.
  • Figure 6 is an electrical schematic diagram, partially showing the electrical wiring of two separate two-channel pro- grammable, electronic timers and their respective contacts in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 another aspect provided by the present invention is to utilize two separate, two-channel timers 105, 106.
  • Each channel on timers 105 and 106 is inde- pendently programmable, and substantially the same channel capabilities are provided for the above-described three-or- more-channel microprocessor-based, digital controller 68.
  • electrical wire 94 is connected to contacts 96 of two-channel timer 105 for controlling the waste water sampling, while wire 101 is con ⁇ nected to the remaining contacts 103 of the two-channel timer 105 for controlling the exhaust air sampling.
  • Remaining wire 100 is connected to contacts 107 of the second two-channel timer 106 for controlling the containment area 8 air sampling. Timer 106 then has one spare channel not utilized.
  • wire 94 is electrically connected to contacts 96 of two-channel timer 105. Then wire
  • normally open contacts 67 (or normally open contacts 97 for timer 95 or normally open contacts 96 for timer 105) will close, and this will start the sampling cycle.
  • Motor actuator 64 will operate motorized valve 60 when pump 24 starts pumping. Motorized valve 60 will then close its nor- mally open outlet 63 and open its normally closed outlet 65, which will allow waste water sample 76 to fill sample contain ⁇ er 66 to a pre-established level. This level is controlled by electronic level control 79. Motor actuator 64 will operate motorized valve 60 only when Pump 24 starts running, i.e., pumping waste water.
  • Figure 7 is a partial schematic diagram showing an elec ⁇ trically operated water pump, three filter banks and their respective filter cartridge containers and partially showing, also schematically, the piping for a waste water sample to flow through, with the direction of the waste water flow indicated by arrows, valves including a tri-way motorized valve, and a container to receive a waste water sample.
  • Figure 7 also shows an electronic level control device in- stalled on the container.
  • Motorized, tri-way valve 60 has its inlet side 61 piped through valve 31 from pipe 62 from waste water discharge pipe 30, which is the pipe that carries waste water from filter banks A, B, and C, as shown in Figure 7.
  • Figure 8 is an elevation view, partially in section of two HEPA filtration machines with their respective exhaust ducts. In addition, it shows three high volume air pumps connected to their respective cassettes and plastic tubing connecting some of the cassettes to their respective exhaust ducts. The exhaust air is the air drawn into the washer/dryer area 8 and cleaning fluid filtering area 8, and then filtered by the HEPA filtration machines 36, prior to exhausting it out of these areas into the outdoors environment.
  • High volume pump 88 is utilized for sampling the air from areas 8.
  • High volume pumps 92, 93 are utilized for sampling the exhaust air from HEPA machines 36.
  • high volume air pump 88 is electrically connected via wires 132 and 100 through normally open contacts 99 of timer 68 (or normally open contacts 102 of timer 95 or normally open contacts 107 if timer 106) and via wire 118 to the hot wire 69 of power lines 69, 108.
  • pu p 88 is electrically connected via wire 133 to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69, 108.
  • the channel in microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 (or in timer 95 or in timer 106) that controls the respec ⁇ tive set of contacts, i.e., contacts 99, 102, or 107 are programmed to close those contacts, thereby closing the ener ⁇ gizing circuit of pump 88, for instance, once every work day at the beginning of the work day, and to keep it energized, for example, for eight hours.
  • containment area samples are taken for the entire length of the work day, i.e., seven, eight hours, etc.
  • microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 (or 95 or 106) energizes high volume air pump 88.
  • High volume air pump 88 has its inlet 89 connected via plastic tubing 91 to a specialized, sample retaining cassette 90.
  • Sample retaining cassette 90 is provided with a membrane filter which allows an air stream flow through it. The air stream is drawn by high volume air sampling pump 88. Contaminant fibers or particulate contained in the air stream are retained by the membrane filter as the air flows through the membrane.
  • Sample retaining cassettes 90 are then utilized for analysis, generally by PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy) . The analysis reveals the level of contamination in the areas sampled.
  • PCM Phase Contrast Microscopy
  • This level is then compared to the permissible level for that contaminant, in accordance to OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.
  • the operator removes cassette 90 from pump 88 and installs a new one.
  • the operator writes the date, pump flow rate and, sampling time duration, i.e., seven hours, eight hours, etc. on label 98, which is then affixed to cassette 90.
  • Blinking light 134 being wired, i.e., electrically con ⁇ nected, in parallel to air pump 88 will be turned “on” and start blinking when air pump 88 is energized. It will stop blinking and will be turned “off” when pump 88 is de-ener ⁇ gized.
  • Two high volume air sampling pumps 92 and 93 are uti ⁇ lized.
  • the exhaust air is the air filtered by the HEPA machines 36.
  • High volume air pumps 92 and 93 are electrically connect ⁇ ed via wires 135 and 101 through normally open contacts 75 of microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 (or contacts 97 if timer 95 or contacts 103 if timer 105) and via wire 118 to the hot wire 69 of power lines 69 and 108.
  • pumps 92 and 93 are electrically connected via wires 136 to the neutral wire 108 of power lines 69 and 108.
  • the channel that controls the normally open contacts is programmed to close the energizing circuit of high volume air pumps 92 and 93 at the beginning of the work day, once, twice a month, etc. and generally to keep these pumps energized for the entire work day if required.
  • microprocessor-based, digital controller 68 (or 95 or 106) energizes high volume pumps 92 and 93.
  • High volume air pumps 92, 93 have respective inlets 109, 110 connected via respective plastic tubing 111 and 112 to their respective sample retaining cassettes 113 and 114.
  • Inlets 115 and 116 of sample retaining cassettes 113 and 114 are connected via plastic tubing 53 to exhaust ducts 43 from their respective HEPA filtration machines 36.
  • Blinking light 138 being wired, i.e., electrically connected in parallel to air pumps 92 and 93 will be turned “on” and will start blinking when air pumps 92 and 93 are energized and will stop blinking and will be turned “off” when pumps 92 and 93 are de-energized.
  • Sample retaining cassettes 113 and 114 are each provided with a membrane filter capable of collecting on it contaminant fiber or particulate entrained in an air stream drawn through the respective membrane filter by high volume air pumps 92 and 93.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the two HEPA filtration machines 36, the air flow into their inlets, indicated by straight arrows and their connection to their respective exhaust ducts.
  • automatic sampling methods and apparatus for automatically taking cleaning fluid discharge samples, i.e., waste water samples, and for automat ⁇ ically taking exhaust air samples and containment area air samples at any predetermined frequency, i.e., once or more times a month, once a week, daily, and others.
  • the waste water samples are taken from the discharge side of the filter banks.
  • the exhaust air samples are taken from the discharge side of the HEPA air filtration machines.
  • the containment area air samples are taken from the washer/dryer area, the cleaning fluid filtering area.
  • Waste water samples are taken in a container which has a removable lid and an electronic level control device.
  • Exhaust air samples and containment area air samples are taken through specialized cassettes which contain a polycarbonate or a mixed cellulose membrane filter used to collect fibers/particulate of the contaminant for laboratory analysis.
  • the present invention provides additional advantages of improved facilities and methods for laundering clothing contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust residues, and for decontaminating in an environmentally controlled enclosure provided in a system created to define a washer/dryer/- filtering area without the need for dividing walls between the areas.
  • the laundering facility does not require a wall between its washer and dryer areas because of the washer system tech ⁇ nology and because of the invention's environmental control.
  • Vented rooms are provided to permit the operator to enter the washer/dryer/filtering area to perform the washing and drying procedures in such a manner so as to prevent the escape of contaminants from the enclosure and to the atmosphere and to provide that the washed clothes will not be contaminated during the drying procedures.
  • the washed clothes will not be contaminated during the drying procedures in conjunction with the negative air engineering, the washer results repeatabili ⁇ ty, the method of handling the contaminated clothing before washing it, and the monitoring and testing procedures.
  • it is also provided for the operator's safety and for restricting levels of any of the above-mentioned contami- nants on the clothes, if any, after laundering to at the most within the allowable safe level.
  • a large clean room area is separated from the washer/dryer/filtering area by walls and communicates with the washer/dryer/filtering area through the above-mentioned vented rooms. This large clean room area is used for the purpose of sorting, repairing, folding, and storing of the laundered clothing.
  • the present invention provides facilities and methods for laundering asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust contaminated clothing which decontami ⁇ nates the clothing and which includes safety procedures, controls, and regular testings as intrinsic parts of the decontamination process.
  • the present invention provides facilities and process combined with a microprocessor-controlled washer technology and further combined with a containment-area-controlled envi ⁇ ronment.
  • the present invention provides facilities and meth ⁇ ods for constant differential pressure monitoring, recording, and controlling and for constant airborne particulate monitor ⁇ ing, testing, and controlling.
  • the present invention provides for testing the clothing at regular predetermined intervals for contaminant content, prior to and after laundering.
  • the present invention provides facilities and methods for laundering woven or non-woven fabric, permeable or impermeable clothing containing asbestos and/or lead, silica dust, titani ⁇ um dioxide dust, or carbon dust to provide clean, decontami ⁇ nated clothing which leaves the laundering facility substan ⁇ tially contaminant-free.
  • the described sampling system of the present invention is not limited to sampling waste water and/or air from an asbestos, lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust laundering facility, but is also applicable to other contaminants as processed with the facili ⁇ ties and methods of the present invention.
  • the present invention decontaminates the clothing through laundering facilities and methods which filter the contaminat ⁇ ed waste water to below acceptable limits as set forth by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations for disposal through a municipal sewer system, including processing the contaminated water through superior filtering means and reduc ⁇ ing significantly the contact between the hot, contaminated waste water and the containment area ambient air.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Filtering Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à des installations et à des procédés de blanchissage pour la décontamination de textiles, qui utilisent une zone de lavage (12), une zone de filtrage (36) contrôlant automatiquement la qualité du fluide de nettoyage déchargé dans l'environnement, une zone propre (2), des moyens pour contrôler automatiquement la qualité de l'air régnant dans la zone de lavage (12), dans la zone de filtrage (36) et dans la zone propre (2), ainsi que de l'air déchargé à l'air libre, et des appareils et des procédés pour synchroniser automatiquement le prélèvement d'échantillons d'eau résiduaire, d'échantillons d'air d'émission et d'échantillons d'air de la zone de confinement. Par synchronisation automatique (68), on entend la gestion et la mise en pratique de la gestion de la date et du moment de la journée pour le prélèvement des échantillons, ainsi que la durée du cycle de synchronisation, et des relais sont utilisés pour fermer et ouvrir divers circuits connectés électriquement à des contacts de compteurs de temps, en vue de mettre en marche les éléments s'occupant du prélèvement des échantillons d'eau résiduaire, d'air d'émission et d'air de la zone de confinement (8). Dans l'un des aspects de cette invention, une vanne à trois voies (60) fait passer une partie de l'eau résiduaire dans une conduite de décharge à tout moment, et un levier de commande électronique (79) contrôle et remplit une cuve (66) d'échantillonnage d'eaux usées jusqu'à un niveau prédéterminé. Dans un autre aspect de la présente invention, une première cassette (90) à pompe de grande capacité (92) et à filtre à membrane recueille les échantillons d'air provenant de la zone de confinement dans l'installation de blanchissage, et une seconde cassette à pompe de grande capacité (93) et à filtre à membrane recueille les échantillons d'air provenant d'une machine (36) de filtrage de l'air du type pour matières en suspension dans l'air. Les contaminants sont notamment l'amiante et/ou le plomb, la poussière de silice, la poussière de dioxyde de titane ou la poussière de charbon. Les articles contaminés sont notamment des textiles tissés et des non-tissés, ainsi que des vêtements perméables et imperméables.
PCT/US1994/004998 1993-05-10 1994-05-06 Installation et procede de blanchissage pour la decontamination de textiles WO1994026968A1 (fr)

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AU68263/94A AU6826394A (en) 1993-05-10 1994-05-06 Laundering decontamination facility and method
CA002161806A CA2161806C (fr) 1993-05-10 1994-05-06 Installation et methode de decontamination de laverie

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US08/058,244 1993-05-10
US08/058,244 US5329659A (en) 1993-05-10 1993-05-10 Laundering facility and method

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US5421048A (en) 1995-06-06
CA2161806A1 (fr) 1994-11-24
CA2161806C (fr) 2001-12-18
AU6826394A (en) 1994-12-12
US5329659A (en) 1994-07-19

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